Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[avocadoontoast]

Brent Read saying he thinks we are mulling over Finucane/TPJ and we haven't landed on a destination yet. Also says dragons are monitoring tpj situation


Sounds like rubbish, make them both an offer and if either accepts, great and if we cant afford both withdraw the other.

Pretty sure we'd have the money for both? I'd be making both an offer if we do


This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I'd be nervous about having so much $$$ tied up in second row. We have decent options there in LL, Blore Garner. Im VERY happy to spend good money on one new talented second rower but I cant justify tying up so much money in second row.

We'll sign TPJ, he'll turn out a dud and everyone in here will be cursing us losing a Tuilagi or a Simpkin once they're superstars elsewhere.

I think there's a lot more chance of TPJ being a dud for us than Finucane although TPJ has a higher ceiling. TPJ has gone missing in important games plenty of times and can lose his head but he can be brilliant when he wants to as well. Finucane will give you a good performance every week and has a great attitude.

Personally I'd prefer Finucane but either would be nice

I’ve been thinking about this a lot and I think Finicane would be a bad signing for us. A more expensive Tamou. Best years behind him. Would be a mistake.

 

[tigerballs]

We all have different opinions on players performance, and ability . Talk of Liddle ,or Simkin missing tackles and errors, of Lucys tackles and others. Brooks gets hammered for reasons i cannot understand and Twal as well . The hookers and many of our forwards are very young, we would be unfair to compare them to seasoned players. But these players give 100% in every game, and to me ,thats what matters.

Anyone criticising Alex twal on here should have a look at his stats for the year. He's quite clearly one of our best forwards. He needs to find an offload. But tell me this...I'd you were Alex twal, would you trust the rabble of this team to catch it?

Maybe I am alone in this thought. But our issue doesn't stem from skill, it's attitude. Hunger, drive and commitment. Something you can't train into people. Either you want it or you don't. And I would dare argue that a lot of players here don't.

You only needed to watch the warm-up of both teams to know that Melbourne storm was going to carve up. This apathy that infects all the tigers players is like mould. It's hard to define and hard to get rid off

The Luke brooks bashing had gotta stop though. If half the other pea hearts in this team tackled like brooks we would be in a better place.

I know a little about elite sports. You can't train hunger to compete. Some people just have the instincts to win and often than not the other half are just followers. Clearly douhei has that hunger, and he was missed last week. Maguire response was perfect tbh. It's on the players to find it. MGuire can't find it for them

Since this is a recruitment thread. I'm confused as to why Dale finucane suddenly fixes our woes. Second he leaves Melbourne his hunger to win will disappear, and will become another plodder.

Twal is an honest toiler. He tries hard and gets through a lot of work but he doesn't make much of an impact in defence and he doesn't bend the line with the ball. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't get rid of him, but he's just a player.

I've been a huge critic of Brooks but in the last month he's been the least of our problems.

Something up here Avo, I've given you one or two thumbs up lately, now I find myself actually writing to agree....
You must be changing.....

 

[BAGNF05]

Brent Read saying he thinks we are mulling over Finucane/TPJ and we haven't landed on a destination yet. Also says dragons are monitoring tpj situation


Sounds like rubbish, make them both an offer and if either accepts, great and if we cant afford both withdraw the other.

Pretty sure we'd have the money for both? I'd be making both an offer if we do


This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I'd be nervous about having so much $$$ tied up in second row. We have decent options there in LL, Blore Garner. Im VERY happy to spend good money on one new talented second rower but I cant justify tying up so much money in second row.

I think our second row is a bit of a worry. Garner is ok, Blore hasn't really come on like we'd hoped, and Luc looks completely cooked. I think we need a strong second rower and Luc goes to the interchange.


I agree totally but I think we need one not two, its too much to tie up in salary cap

Would Finucance play 13 though? Tbh I know he's got a good reputation but i'm not overly keen on Finucane. He'll cost a bomb and he's not getting any younger.

This is what does my head in ..
Finucane has an accomplished career no doubt but has played in far superior systems to ours ..
Add the fact he’s old and he wants $800k and he’s now on the slide ..
Not worth that sort of money !

I agree. I think that sort of money could be better spent elsewhere.


Especially expensive when considering much of his value is tied to an intangible known as “LEADERSHIP”.
I think we paid around $700k for Tamou’s leadership.

Even worse considering we have seyfarth. Buying leadership is a myth. It's not tangible. Just ask plodder tamou

Of course you can buy people with leadership qualities, I hire people all the time because of their leadership qualities.

Imagine if we had both Finucane and Tamou when BJ Leilua arrived at the club, would he have been as poor if he wasn’t relying on Josh Aloiai to be the inspiration? If he’s pushing Luciano for a position and they’re training in pairs, does big Luci look as out of Nick as he does now? You have to make a gamble in recruiting and every way you look at it Finucane is a good bet.

 

[JC99]

Brent Read saying he thinks we are mulling over Finucane/TPJ and we haven't landed on a destination yet. Also says dragons are monitoring tpj situation


Sounds like rubbish, make them both an offer and if either accepts, great and if we cant afford both withdraw the other.

Pretty sure we'd have the money for both? I'd be making both an offer if we do


This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I'd be nervous about having so much $$$ tied up in second row. We have decent options there in LL, Blore Garner. Im VERY happy to spend good money on one new talented second rower but I cant justify tying up so much money in second row.

We'll sign TPJ, he'll turn out a dud and everyone in here will be cursing us losing a Tuilagi or a Simpkin once they're superstars elsewhere.

I think there's a lot more chance of TPJ being a dud for us than Finucane although TPJ has a higher ceiling. TPJ has gone missing in important games plenty of times and can lose his head but he can be brilliant when he wants to as well. Finucane will give you a good performance every week and has a great attitude.

Personally I'd prefer Finucane but either would be nice

I’ve been thinking about this a lot and I think Finicane would be a bad signing for us. A more expensive Tamou. Best years behind him. Would be a mistake.

I don't think his best years are behind him, I'd argue he's playing career best football. Has only started making origin squads the last few years and is there again this year.

He wouldn't have a massive impact and be a superstar for us but in a team that lacks consistency getting one of the most consistent hardest working players around would be a good move

I always knew Tamou wouldn't put up the numbers he did last year with us, Finucane of course wouldn't put up the same numbers but he doesn't play like a guy who's at the end of his career. All depends on how much and how long the contract is and there's a lack of quality around for next year

Would be happy if we signed him, wouldn't be devastated if we didn't. He'll probably stay at Melbourne

 

[avocadoontoast]

We all have different opinions on players performance, and ability . Talk of Liddle ,or Simkin missing tackles and errors, of Lucys tackles and others. Brooks gets hammered for reasons i cannot understand and Twal as well . The hookers and many of our forwards are very young, we would be unfair to compare them to seasoned players. But these players give 100% in every game, and to me ,thats what matters.

Anyone criticising Alex twal on here should have a look at his stats for the year. He's quite clearly one of our best forwards. He needs to find an offload. But tell me this...I'd you were Alex twal, would you trust the rabble of this team to catch it?

Maybe I am alone in this thought. But our issue doesn't stem from skill, it's attitude. Hunger, drive and commitment. Something you can't train into people. Either you want it or you don't. And I would dare argue that a lot of players here don't.

You only needed to watch the warm-up of both teams to know that Melbourne storm was going to carve up. This apathy that infects all the tigers players is like mould. It's hard to define and hard to get rid off

The Luke brooks bashing had gotta stop though. If half the other pea hearts in this team tackled like brooks we would be in a better place.

I know a little about elite sports. You can't train hunger to compete. Some people just have the instincts to win and often than not the other half are just followers. Clearly douhei has that hunger, and he was missed last week. Maguire response was perfect tbh. It's on the players to find it. MGuire can't find it for them

Since this is a recruitment thread. I'm confused as to why Dale finucane suddenly fixes our woes. Second he leaves Melbourne his hunger to win will disappear, and will become another plodder.

Twal is an honest toiler. He tries hard and gets through a lot of work but he doesn't make much of an impact in defence and he doesn't bend the line with the ball. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't get rid of him, but he's just a player.

I've been a huge critic of Brooks but in the last month he's been the least of our problems.

Something up here Avo, I've given you one or two thumbs up lately, now I find myself actually writing to agree....
You must be changing.....

Either I’m changing or you’ve lost your marbles lol

 

[Camel2281]

For the record

The Tigers Should be in discussions with both TPJ and Dale Finucane.

The Tigers should be chasing Finucane,josh Jackson & James Maloney the club needs leaders badly,even Woods is more appealing than TPJ

Josh Jackson is a terrible footballer these days. He was always one dimensional as he can't pass the footy and was never a decent ball runner, but his lateral movement is shot and is now pretty poor on a defensive edge too

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

PANTHERS CERTAIN TO LOSE STARS

Penrith has reportedly agreed to a huge new contract for superstar prop James Fisher-Harris.

The new contract is said to be a four-year deal and worth in excess of $800,000 a year.

It’s great news for the Kiwi front-rower but it means the Panthers’ salary cap will be under serious pressure.

Brent Read told Triple M there’s a number of stars who Penrith will struggle to hold on to for much longer.


“They’ve now re-signed him, Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, within the space of a short time, and what that means is there is pressure on the cap,” Read said.

“They’re basically covered to the end of next season. Beyond that, at the end of 2022, they’ve got Dylan Edwards, Viliame Kikau, Api Koroisau, Moses Leota, Paul Momirovski all coming off contract.

“So that’s now where their focus lies.

“They’re under some real pressure I think, moving forward, and I reckon there will be some clubs circling Penrith in the next few months, from November, and looking to basically pick the eyes out of the guys who are left.

“I think they’re going to find it difficult to keep them all. I don’t think they will.”

Cronk & Blocker preview Origin II
Cronk & Blocker preview Origin II | 04:43

RAIDERS COOL ON DUFTY


Canberra has gone cold on the idea of signing St George Illawarra fullback Matt Dufty, according to the Canberra Times.

Dufty has been told he’s not wanted by the Dragons beyond this season and so is on the lookout for a new club.

He went to the ACT to meet with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and tour the facilities, but the club has since gone off the idea of bringing him to the nation’s capital.

Instead, the Canberra Times says the Raiders are prioritising signing a halfback to replace exiled Englishman George Williams.

They have reportedly withdrawn interest from Shaun Johnson, but have been strongly linked to Gareth Widdop who is seeking a return to the NRL.

Papenhuyzen targeting a Round 20 return
Papenhuyzen targeting a Round 20 return | 00:54

OPTIONS OPEN FOR FERGO

Unwanted Parramatta veteran Blake Ferguson has a number of options on the table as he plots his next career move.

The one-time representative winger won’t be at the Eels beyond this season and so has to find a new home.

A switch to rugby union is well and truly on the cards, with the Western Force said to be keen on his services.

Ferguson’s agent, Sam Ayoub, told The Daily Telegraph his client is not rushing into making a decision on his footballing future.

“The positive with Fergo at the moment is that there is interest, the interest has been genuine too,” Ayoub said.


“People that know Fergo know what he brings to the table and he won’t be without a club for 2022, whether it be in the NRL or in rugby.”

 

[BZN]

What makes anyone think that this bunch of soft, entitled, lazy, arrogant and comfort-zone players are going to follow Finucane's lead?
I rate Tamou.
I don't believe he was brought here to run for 200mtrs and make copious amounts of tackle-breaks, off-loads, score 10 tries and kick goals at 95%.
His leadership is about recovery, professional conduct, never lying down and adopting a winning mentality, the rest is up to guys like Mikaele, Musgrove, Luccie, Uto, Brooksy, Garner, TommyT, Joe O, Jet, Nofo, Mbye and the rest to use their God-given talents to the best of their ability.
Is he still a leader if this bunch of powder-puffs lack the mental and intestinal fortitude to follow?...
I love TPJ's X-factor, which we're missing, but giving Tamou some back-up in the mould of Finucane would be far more conducive to establishing a platform that drives the values of tenacity, pride of performance, striving to succeed, especially in the face of adversity which breed a winning culture, something we've sorely lacked for far too long.

Some of those players you named played very well last Saturday so I think what you have written is a little unfair.

The finger should be pointed at Maguire. He looked like a man without answers during that post match press conference. He's actually had that look for a significant period of time. Perhaps if the club installed a leader as coach, we may achieve better results and performances. I read many comments which describe Maguire as tough. Tough does not necessarily mean you are good, it could mean you use it to hide your lack of tactical nous or comms skills.

[/QUOTE]

I dont feel Madge generally lacks "tactical nous or comms skills".

When he fronts up for his post match interview he is certainly guarded in what he says due to the fact he doesnt want to dump his frustration on the team, and that to me means he is a very considerate communicator, at least as far as we can see on tv.

And I feel he has every rite to be frustrated, as it seems pretty obvious most of our blokes aren't listening to what Madge is saying, or, if they are their too dumb to put into practice what he wants them to do on game day.

Madge is a proven coach, and the players have to do what he wants or they can go play elsewhere.

When The Sheenius gets here though, I'm sure Wests Tigers will be a better Club from top to bottom.

 

[avocadoontoast]

Brent Read saying he thinks we are mulling over Finucane/TPJ and we haven't landed on a destination yet. Also says dragons are monitoring tpj situation


Sounds like rubbish, make them both an offer and if either accepts, great and if we cant afford both withdraw the other.

Pretty sure we'd have the money for both? I'd be making both an offer if we do


This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I'd be nervous about having so much $$$ tied up in second row. We have decent options there in LL, Blore Garner. Im VERY happy to spend good money on one new talented second rower but I cant justify tying up so much money in second row.

We'll sign TPJ, he'll turn out a dud and everyone in here will be cursing us losing a Tuilagi or a Simpkin once they're superstars elsewhere.

I think there's a lot more chance of TPJ being a dud for us than Finucane although TPJ has a higher ceiling. TPJ has gone missing in important games plenty of times and can lose his head but he can be brilliant when he wants to as well. Finucane will give you a good performance every week and has a great attitude.

Personally I'd prefer Finucane but either would be nice

I’ve been thinking about this a lot and I think Finicane would be a bad signing for us. A more expensive Tamou. Best years behind him. Would be a mistake.

I don't think his best years are behind him, I'd argue he's playing career best football. Has only started making origin squads the last few years and is there again this year.

He wouldn't have a massive impact and be a superstar for us but in a team that lacks consistency getting one of the most consistent hardest working players around would be a good move

I always knew Tamou wouldn't put up the numbers he did last year with us, Finucane of course wouldn't put up the same numbers but he doesn't play like a guy who's at the end of his career. All depends on how much and how long the contract is and there's a lack of quality around for next year

Would be happy if we signed him, wouldn't be devastated if we didn't. He'll probably stay at Melbourne

We have a lot of toilers already. I just can’t see him making a difference at all.

 

[BAGNF05]

Brent Read saying he thinks we are mulling over Finucane/TPJ and we haven't landed on a destination yet. Also says dragons are monitoring tpj situation


Sounds like rubbish, make them both an offer and if either accepts, great and if we cant afford both withdraw the other.

Pretty sure we'd have the money for both? I'd be making both an offer if we do


This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I'd be nervous about having so much $$$ tied up in second row. We have decent options there in LL, Blore Garner. Im VERY happy to spend good money on one new talented second rower but I cant justify tying up so much money in second row.

We'll sign TPJ, he'll turn out a dud and everyone in here will be cursing us losing a Tuilagi or a Simpkin once they're superstars elsewhere.

I think there's a lot more chance of TPJ being a dud for us than Finucane although TPJ has a higher ceiling. TPJ has gone missing in important games plenty of times and can lose his head but he can be brilliant when he wants to as well. Finucane will give you a good performance every week and has a great attitude.

Personally I'd prefer Finucane but either would be nice

I’ve been thinking about this a lot and I think Finicane would be a bad signing for us. A more expensive Tamou. Best years behind him. Would be a mistake.

I don't think his best years are behind him, I'd argue he's playing career best football. Has only started making origin squads the last few years and is there again this year.

He wouldn't have a massive impact and be a superstar for us but in a team that lacks consistency getting one of the most consistent hardest working players around would be a good move

I always knew Tamou wouldn't put up the numbers he did last year with us, Finucane of course wouldn't put up the same numbers but he doesn't play like a guy who's at the end of his career. All depends on how much and how long the contract is and there's a lack of quality around for next year

Would be happy if we signed him, wouldn't be devastated if we didn't. He'll probably stay at Melbourne

I don’t know if people are really getting the influence of strong leaders. I’ve been pretty happy with Stefano,very happy with Twal and prior to injury, Mikaele was on the rise. Is that actually the Tamou effect working as we wanted? And would Finucane do the same in the back row? If these guys are making people around them better then their own numbers aren’t as critical.

 

[carltonleach]

PANTHERS CERTAIN TO LOSE STARS

Penrith has reportedly agreed to a huge new contract for superstar prop James Fisher-Harris.

The new contract is said to be a four-year deal and worth in excess of $800,000 a year.

It’s great news for the Kiwi front-rower but it means the Panthers’ salary cap will be under serious pressure.

Brent Read told Triple M there’s a number of stars who Penrith will struggle to hold on to for much longer.


“They’ve now re-signed him, Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, within the space of a short time, and what that means is there is pressure on the cap,” Read said.

“They’re basically covered to the end of next season. Beyond that, at the end of 2022, they’ve got Dylan Edwards, Viliame Kikau, Api Koroisau, Moses Leota, Paul Momirovski all coming off contract.

“So that’s now where their focus lies.

“They’re under some real pressure I think, moving forward, and I reckon there will be some clubs circling Penrith in the next few months, from November, and looking to basically pick the eyes out of the guys who are left.

“I think they’re going to find it difficult to keep them all. I don’t think they will.”

Cronk & Blocker preview Origin II
Cronk & Blocker preview Origin II | 04:43

RAIDERS COOL ON DUFTY


Canberra has gone cold on the idea of signing St George Illawarra fullback Matt Dufty, according to the Canberra Times.

Dufty has been told he’s not wanted by the Dragons beyond this season and so is on the lookout for a new club.

He went to the ACT to meet with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and tour the facilities, but the club has since gone off the idea of bringing him to the nation’s capital.

Instead, the Canberra Times says the Raiders are prioritising signing a halfback to replace exiled Englishman George Williams.

They have reportedly withdrawn interest from Shaun Johnson, but have been strongly linked to Gareth Widdop who is seeking a return to the NRL.

Papenhuyzen targeting a Round 20 return
Papenhuyzen targeting a Round 20 return | 00:54

OPTIONS OPEN FOR FERGO

Unwanted Parramatta veteran Blake Ferguson has a number of options on the table as he plots his next career move.

The one-time representative winger won’t be at the Eels beyond this season and so has to find a new home.

A switch to rugby union is well and truly on the cards, with the Western Force said to be keen on his services.

Ferguson’s agent, Sam Ayoub, told The Daily Telegraph his client is not rushing into making a decision on his footballing future.

“The positive with Fergo at the moment is that there is interest, the interest has been genuine too,” Ayoub said.


“People that know Fergo know what he brings to the table and he won’t be without a club for 2022, whether it be in the NRL or in rugby.”

So Ivan doing to panthers what he did too us, signing/re-signing players to massive contracts!! Atleast they’re decent players I guess not like what he did to us!!!

 

[carltonleach]

Brent Read saying he thinks we are mulling over Finucane/TPJ and we haven't landed on a destination yet. Also says dragons are monitoring tpj situation


Sounds like rubbish, make them both an offer and if either accepts, great and if we cant afford both withdraw the other.

Pretty sure we'd have the money for both? I'd be making both an offer if we do


This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I'd be nervous about having so much $$$ tied up in second row. We have decent options there in LL, Blore Garner. Im VERY happy to spend good money on one new talented second rower but I cant justify tying up so much money in second row.

We'll sign TPJ, he'll turn out a dud and everyone in here will be cursing us losing a Tuilagi or a Simpkin once they're superstars elsewhere.

I think there's a lot more chance of TPJ being a dud for us than Finucane although TPJ has a higher ceiling. TPJ has gone missing in important games plenty of times and can lose his head but he can be brilliant when he wants to as well. Finucane will give you a good performance every week and has a great attitude.

Personally I'd prefer Finucane but either would be nice

I’ve been thinking about this a lot and I think Finicane would be a bad signing for us. A more expensive Tamou. Best years behind him. Would be a mistake.

I don't think his best years are behind him, I'd argue he's playing career best football. Has only started making origin squads the last few years and is there again this year.

He wouldn't have a massive impact and be a superstar for us but in a team that lacks consistency getting one of the most consistent hardest working players around would be a good move

I always knew Tamou wouldn't put up the numbers he did last year with us, Finucane of course wouldn't put up the same numbers but he doesn't play like a guy who's at the end of his career. All depends on how much and how long the contract is and there's a lack of quality around for next year

Would be happy if we signed him, wouldn't be devastated if we didn't. He'll probably stay at Melbourne

I don’t know if people are really getting the influence of strong leaders. I’ve been pretty happy with Stefano,very happy with Twal and prior to injury, Mikaele was on the rise. Is that actually the Tamou effect working as we wanted? And would Finucane do the same in the back row? If these guys are making people around them better then their own numbers aren’t as critical.

I agree to some extent!! If they’re at the club to just influence then don’t sign them as players get them behind the scene and get players in that will perform! 25 running meters from tamou is an embarrassment imho

 

[tony soprano]

Brent Read saying he thinks we are mulling over Finucane/TPJ and we haven't landed on a destination yet. Also says dragons are monitoring tpj situation


Sounds like rubbish, make them both an offer and if either accepts, great and if we cant afford both withdraw the other.

Pretty sure we'd have the money for both? I'd be making both an offer if we do


This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I'd be nervous about having so much $$$ tied up in second row. We have decent options there in LL, Blore Garner. Im VERY happy to spend good money on one new talented second rower but I cant justify tying up so much money in second row.

We'll sign TPJ, he'll turn out a dud and everyone in here will be cursing us losing a Tuilagi or a Simpkin once they're superstars elsewhere.

I think there's a lot more chance of TPJ being a dud for us than Finucane although TPJ has a higher ceiling. TPJ has gone missing in important games plenty of times and can lose his head but he can be brilliant when he wants to as well. Finucane will give you a good performance every week and has a great attitude.

Personally I'd prefer Finucane but either would be nice

I’ve been thinking about this a lot and I think Finicane would be a bad signing for us. A more expensive Tamou. Best years behind him. Would be a mistake.

I don't think his best years are behind him, I'd argue he's playing career best football. Has only started making origin squads the last few years and is there again this year.

He wouldn't have a massive impact and be a superstar for us but in a team that lacks consistency getting one of the most consistent hardest working players around would be a good move

I always knew Tamou wouldn't put up the numbers he did last year with us, Finucane of course wouldn't put up the same numbers but he doesn't play like a guy who's at the end of his career. All depends on how much and how long the contract is and there's a lack of quality around for next year

Would be happy if we signed him, wouldn't be devastated if we didn't. He'll probably stay at Melbourne

I don’t know if people are really getting the influence of strong leaders. I’ve been pretty happy with Stefano,very happy with Twal and prior to injury, Mikaele was on the rise. Is that actually the Tamou effect working as we wanted? And would Finucane do the same in the back row? If these guys are making people around them better then their own numbers aren’t as critical.

Agree with these players dale would be a 13

 

[finnzo]

I think if we can sign dale finucane we need to set up a leadership group with him James Tamoe and Adam doughi to help mold Adam doughi into our next captain

 

[BAGNF05]

Brent Read saying he thinks we are mulling over Finucane/TPJ and we haven't landed on a destination yet. Also says dragons are monitoring tpj situation


Sounds like rubbish, make them both an offer and if either accepts, great and if we cant afford both withdraw the other.

Pretty sure we'd have the money for both? I'd be making both an offer if we do


This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I'd be nervous about having so much $$$ tied up in second row. We have decent options there in LL, Blore Garner. Im VERY happy to spend good money on one new talented second rower but I cant justify tying up so much money in second row.

We'll sign TPJ, he'll turn out a dud and everyone in here will be cursing us losing a Tuilagi or a Simpkin once they're superstars elsewhere.

I think there's a lot more chance of TPJ being a dud for us than Finucane although TPJ has a higher ceiling. TPJ has gone missing in important games plenty of times and can lose his head but he can be brilliant when he wants to as well. Finucane will give you a good performance every week and has a great attitude.

Personally I'd prefer Finucane but either would be nice

I’ve been thinking about this a lot and I think Finicane would be a bad signing for us. A more expensive Tamou. Best years behind him. Would be a mistake.

I don't think his best years are behind him, I'd argue he's playing career best football. Has only started making origin squads the last few years and is there again this year.

He wouldn't have a massive impact and be a superstar for us but in a team that lacks consistency getting one of the most consistent hardest working players around would be a good move

I always knew Tamou wouldn't put up the numbers he did last year with us, Finucane of course wouldn't put up the same numbers but he doesn't play like a guy who's at the end of his career. All depends on how much and how long the contract is and there's a lack of quality around for next year

Would be happy if we signed him, wouldn't be devastated if we didn't. He'll probably stay at Melbourne

I don’t know if people are really getting the influence of strong leaders. I’ve been pretty happy with Stefano,very happy with Twal and prior to injury, Mikaele was on the rise. Is that actually the Tamou effect working as we wanted? And would Finucane do the same in the back row? If these guys are making people around them better then their own numbers aren’t as critical.

I agree to some extent!! If they’re at the club to just influence then don’t sign them as players get them behind the scene and get players in that will perform! 25 running meters from tamou is an embarrassment imho

I think that performance was an outlier for Tamou, he hasn’t been the one letting in tries in bulk.

 

[BZN]

What makes anyone think that this bunch of soft, entitled, lazy, arrogant and comfort-zone players are going to follow Finucane's lead?
I rate Tamou.
I don't believe he was brought here to run for 200mtrs and make copious amounts of tackle-breaks, off-loads, score 10 tries and kick goals at 95%.
His leadership is about recovery, professional conduct, never lying down and adopting a winning mentality, the rest is up to guys like Mikaele, Musgrove, Luccie, Uto, Brooksy, Garner, TommyT, Joe O, Jet, Nofo, Mbye and the rest to use their God-given talents to the best of their ability.
Is he still a leader if this bunch of powder-puffs lack the mental and intestinal fortitude to follow?...
I love TPJ's X-factor, which we're missing, but giving Tamou some back-up in the mould of Finucane would be far more conducive to establishing a platform that drives the values of tenacity, pride of performance, striving to succeed, especially in the face of adversity which breed a winning culture, something we've sorely lacked for far too long.

You may be right but I wonder if they are able to draw inspiration from what Tamou produces in his rather short stints on the field

Tamou is a gap filler Captain until we can land the real deal.
We purchased him as he was the **best available** at the time and didnt cost Us many $$$.

 

[balmain boy]

We all have different opinions on players performance, and ability . Talk of Liddle ,or Simkin missing tackles and errors, of Lucys tackles and others. Brooks gets hammered for reasons i cannot understand and Twal as well . The hookers and many of our forwards are very young, we would be unfair to compare them to seasoned players. But these players give 100% in every game, and to me ,thats what matters.

Anyone criticising Alex twal on here should have a look at his stats for the year. He's quite clearly one of our best forwards. He needs to find an offload. But tell me this...I'd you were Alex twal, would you trust the rabble of this team to catch it?

Maybe I am alone in this thought. But our issue doesn't stem from skill, it's attitude. Hunger, drive and commitment. Something you can't train into people. Either you want it or you don't. And I would dare argue that a lot of players here don't.

You only needed to watch the warm-up of both teams to know that Melbourne storm was going to carve up. This apathy that infects all the tigers players is like mould. It's hard to define and hard to get rid off

The Luke brooks bashing had gotta stop though. If half the other pea hearts in this team tackled like brooks we would be in a better place.

I know a little about elite sports. You can't train hunger to compete. Some people just have the instincts to win and often than not the other half are just followers. Clearly douhei has that hunger, and he was missed last week. Maguire response was perfect tbh. It's on the players to find it. MGuire can't find it for them

Since this is a recruitment thread. I'm confused as to why Dale finucane suddenly fixes our woes. Second he leaves Melbourne his hunger to win will disappear, and will become another plodder.

Twal is an honest toiler. He tries hard and gets through a lot of work but he doesn't make much of an impact in defence and he doesn't bend the line with the ball. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't get rid of him, but he's just a player.

I've been a huge critic of Brooks but in the last month he's been the least of our problems.

Just because I was curious
Stats for big Nelson from Melbourne

https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/melbourne-storm/nelson-asofa-solomona/

And Alex twal's

https://www.weststigers.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/wests-tigers/alex-twal/

I know stats aren't everything but gee wiz

Edit: Dale finucanes stats for informations sake:

https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/melbourne-storm/dale-finucane/

Stats don't tell the whole story.

https://www.sharks.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/cronulla-sutherland-sharks/aiden-tolman/

That Aidan tolman is a consistent plodder? Everyone knew that :stuck_out_tongue:

Bulldogs were idiots for getting rid of tolman
Every team needs a toiler

Tolman Tamou

I’m sure he adds value in other areas but Tamou has been pretty terrible on field. Your plodder assessment was bang on.

In a team getting well beaten a 32 year old prop on 300k making 85m a game (with that figure dropping a lot after the Storm debacle where he couldn't touch the ball) and 27 tackles a game with a 96.5% efficiency rating - seems pretty solid to me. Especially seeing he rarely receives kickoffs to pad his stats. Teams like kicking to Twal's side as he poses no tackle breaking or offloading threat.

 

[balmain boy]

Brent Read saying he thinks we are mulling over Finucane/TPJ and we haven't landed on a destination yet. Also says dragons are monitoring tpj situation

Mulling = waiting for sheens

I'm pretty sure Sheens can answer his phone or send emails. He's in the loop. There is no waiting.

 

[TigerVinnie]

We all have different opinions on players performance, and ability . Talk of Liddle ,or Simkin missing tackles and errors, of Lucys tackles and others. Brooks gets hammered for reasons i cannot understand and Twal as well . The hookers and many of our forwards are very young, we would be unfair to compare them to seasoned players. But these players give 100% in every game, and to me ,thats what matters.

Anyone criticising Alex twal on here should have a look at his stats for the year. He's quite clearly one of our best forwards. He needs to find an offload. But tell me this...I'd you were Alex twal, would you trust the rabble of this team to catch it?

Maybe I am alone in this thought. But our issue doesn't stem from skill, it's attitude. Hunger, drive and commitment. Something you can't train into people. Either you want it or you don't. And I would dare argue that a lot of players here don't.

You only needed to watch the warm-up of both teams to know that Melbourne storm was going to carve up. This apathy that infects all the tigers players is like mould. It's hard to define and hard to get rid off

The Luke brooks bashing had gotta stop though. If half the other pea hearts in this team tackled like brooks we would be in a better place.

I know a little about elite sports. You can't train hunger to compete. Some people just have the instincts to win and often than not the other half are just followers. Clearly douhei has that hunger, and he was missed last week. Maguire response was perfect tbh. It's on the players to find it. MGuire can't find it for them

Since this is a recruitment thread. I'm confused as to why Dale finucane suddenly fixes our woes. Second he leaves Melbourne his hunger to win will disappear, and will become another plodder.

Twal is an honest toiler. He tries hard and gets through a lot of work but he doesn't make much of an impact in defence and he doesn't bend the line with the ball. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't get rid of him, but he's just a player.

I've been a huge critic of Brooks but in the last month he's been the least of our problems.

The biggest problem is the we need 2 quality wingers and 2 quality centres. Our defence out wide is what hurts us the most.

100% this.

Our edges this year (right being the biggest culprit) have cost as multiple games. We fix the defence here and I am confident we are in the top 8 right now.

In good teams wingers seldom make tackles . It’s called line speed.

Issue is a team can take a kick off spin it to the right immediately (ala cowboys and Melbourne game) and both centre and winger are standing 20metres out of position. Line speed will help but won’t help the easy 2-3 tries a game any team can get simply by passing the ball right.

 

[Snake]

PANTHERS CERTAIN TO LOSE STARS

Penrith has reportedly agreed to a huge new contract for superstar prop James Fisher-Harris.

The new contract is said to be a four-year deal and worth in excess of $800,000 a year.

It’s great news for the Kiwi front-rower but it means the Panthers’ salary cap will be under serious pressure.

Brent Read told Triple M there’s a number of stars who Penrith will struggle to hold on to for much longer.


“They’ve now re-signed him, Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, within the space of a short time, and what that means is there is pressure on the cap,” Read said.

“They’re basically covered to the end of next season. Beyond that, at the end of 2022, they’ve got Dylan Edwards, Viliame Kikau, Api Koroisau, Moses Leota, Paul Momirovski all coming off contract.

“So that’s now where their focus lies.

“They’re under some real pressure I think, moving forward, and I reckon there will be some clubs circling Penrith in the next few months, from November, and looking to basically pick the eyes out of the guys who are left.

“I think they’re going to find it difficult to keep them all. I don’t think they will.”

Cronk & Blocker preview Origin II
Cronk & Blocker preview Origin II | 04:43

RAIDERS COOL ON DUFTY


Canberra has gone cold on the idea of signing St George Illawarra fullback Matt Dufty, according to the Canberra Times.

Dufty has been told he’s not wanted by the Dragons beyond this season and so is on the lookout for a new club.

He went to the ACT to meet with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and tour the facilities, but the club has since gone off the idea of bringing him to the nation’s capital.

Instead, the Canberra Times says the Raiders are prioritising signing a halfback to replace exiled Englishman George Williams.

They have reportedly withdrawn interest from Shaun Johnson, but have been strongly linked to Gareth Widdop who is seeking a return to the NRL.

Papenhuyzen targeting a Round 20 return
Papenhuyzen targeting a Round 20 return | 00:54

OPTIONS OPEN FOR FERGO

Unwanted Parramatta veteran Blake Ferguson has a number of options on the table as he plots his next career move.

The one-time representative winger won’t be at the Eels beyond this season and so has to find a new home.

A switch to rugby union is well and truly on the cards, with the Western Force said to be keen on his services.

Ferguson’s agent, Sam Ayoub, told The Daily Telegraph his client is not rushing into making a decision on his footballing future.

“The positive with Fergo at the moment is that there is interest, the interest has been genuine too,” Ayoub said.


“People that know Fergo know what he brings to the table and he won’t be without a club for 2022, whether it be in the NRL or in rugby.”

So Ivan doing to panthers what he did too us, signing/re-signing players to massive contracts!! Atleast they’re decent players I guess not like what he did to us!!!

Panthers have some good players in there reserve grade side one winger really stands out..surely many of them would want to explore other avenues as they are certainly blocked at Nrl level